Love the pink tables

I have fond memories of The Piece Hall, Halifax. We used to go as a family when our children were young, we all loved the quirky little shops and the old, dark stone staircases in the corners. I was intrigued when, years later, I heard about the place undergoing a complete transformation. I was keen to visit, especially when local Blippers posted photos.

As we were in the area, we decided to go, getting a bus from Huddersfield to Halifax this morning. It is indeed an impressive place. Built in 1779 and in a different league to other cloth halls, it soon became the major centre for the wool trade. Manufacturers came from a wide area to sell and merchants came from all over the world to buy.

Eventually the cloth industry declined and Piece Hall took on various roles, including becoming a wholesale food market. It wasn’t until the 1970s that the place was developed to include shops and galleries.

Now it is totally transformed into a community and cultural centre and it is obviously well used. The huge courtyard, which is on a slope, has been landscaped and stepped imaginatively. The Public Library is there, as are numerous cafes and shops. The Visitor Centre is excellent . . . and there is a wonderful bookshop!

We are now back in Huddersfield, and able to sit outside by the canal - in the sunshine!!

We are seeing Simon Armitage tonight.

Extra - Haddock of course (this being Yorkshire) . . . note the fish knife!